Joest et al. - Incomplete milking on udder firmness, heart-rate variability, and behavior recordings in dairy cows

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of automated short-term incomplete milking, with reduced milk withdrawal up to 40% on udder filling, udder firmness, and on the welfare of dairy cows, by assessing heart rate variability and behavior recordings in the milking parlor and barn in multiparous dairy cows during peak- to mid-lactation. Short-term incomplete milking led to high udder filling and firmness, indicating elevated internal udder pressure and potential discomfort. Analysis of heart rate variability revealed no alterations in the sympatho-vagal balance caused by incomplete milking. Behavioral observations in the milking parlor and barn including the brush use weren´t affected by incomplete milking. The incomplete milking protocol, including reduced milk withdrawal up to 40%, induced elevated udder firmness whereas the used indicators evaluated in this study do not suggest compromised welfare, supporting incomplete milking as a viable strategy in dairy cows.